As someone whose Chinese writing currently is best described as "cakar ayam" (chicken scratches in Malay), I am always in awe of those whose calligraphy is works of art, especially the Chinese and Japanese poets and writers of old. Really enjoyed this essay - a lovely ramble with morning coffe.
What a coincidence! I'm also writing about plum blossoms, inspired by the weather here in Tokyo two weeks ago--it actually snowed while they were blooming! Around the same time, I learned about 飛梅 as a seasonal name in tea & of course had to research that backstory too, about Sugawara no Michizane being exiled to Kyushu. Had some beautiful moments of discovery & wonder. I'm glad I still have so much to learn about Japanese history & poetic symbolism.
Thank you so much for the sweet sweet comment! How are you doing? You know it is so incredible how there’s just endless things to learn. I didn’t know about the poetry gathering under the plum trees until just this week. How is that possible I never heard of it before! I’ve really steered away from the Man’yōshū
I know shockingly little about Japanese old texts so to me it's entirely possible but you know. It is incredible! I have been good although maybe doing a little too much recently. Need to take things more slowly, appreciate empty time again.
It’s really important to enjoy empty time like you said! Especially in Japan there’s so many wonderful things that happen in small details and if you’re too busy, you can’t savor them. Are you working or are you studying in Tokyo. I envy being there! ❤️
The images from my beautiful calendar that my friend sent me from Japan! It was such a surprise gift that made me so happy! I cannot remember the last time I saw or smelled plum blossoms it was in Japan I guess. I don’t think we have them in Los Angeles or none that I have seen!
As someone whose Chinese writing currently is best described as "cakar ayam" (chicken scratches in Malay), I am always in awe of those whose calligraphy is works of art, especially the Chinese and Japanese poets and writers of old. Really enjoyed this essay - a lovely ramble with morning coffe.
Oh, Elizabeth, this made my day so much!!!!!!
What a coincidence! I'm also writing about plum blossoms, inspired by the weather here in Tokyo two weeks ago--it actually snowed while they were blooming! Around the same time, I learned about 飛梅 as a seasonal name in tea & of course had to research that backstory too, about Sugawara no Michizane being exiled to Kyushu. Had some beautiful moments of discovery & wonder. I'm glad I still have so much to learn about Japanese history & poetic symbolism.
Thank you so much for the sweet sweet comment! How are you doing? You know it is so incredible how there’s just endless things to learn. I didn’t know about the poetry gathering under the plum trees until just this week. How is that possible I never heard of it before! I’ve really steered away from the Man’yōshū
I know shockingly little about Japanese old texts so to me it's entirely possible but you know. It is incredible! I have been good although maybe doing a little too much recently. Need to take things more slowly, appreciate empty time again.
It’s really important to enjoy empty time like you said! Especially in Japan there’s so many wonderful things that happen in small details and if you’re too busy, you can’t savor them. Are you working or are you studying in Tokyo. I envy being there! ❤️
I'm working so my time is already quite limited. Learning how to write & exist around a 9-to-5 is a valuable lesson though!
Oh, wow! Such richness! Starting with the opening image! That blew me away! (And now I live with the scent of the plum blossoms . . . )
The images from my beautiful calendar that my friend sent me from Japan! It was such a surprise gift that made me so happy! I cannot remember the last time I saw or smelled plum blossoms it was in Japan I guess. I don’t think we have them in Los Angeles or none that I have seen!